Dirty Harry (song)

Song history

"Dirty Harry" was first released as a promotional single on iTunes before being released as the third single from the album on 21 November 2005, peaking at number six in the United Kingdom. An early version entitled "I Need a Gun" was included on Damon Albarn's album Democrazy. On 8 December 2005, "Dirty Harry" was nominated for a Grammy under the category "Urban/Alternative Performance", but was beaten by Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's "Welcome to Jamrock". It became Gorillaz' 3rd consecutive top 10 hit and last song to make it on the top 10 to this date.

Music video

The video was released on 25 October 2005, sent to those on the e-mail list on Gorillaz' official website. A thematic follow-up to the band's "Clint Eastwood", it refers to the film of the same name, Clint Eastwood being the lead actor in the movie. "Dirty Harry" was the first Gorillaz music video to be shot on location, with filming taking place in the Namib Desert in Namibia. The group had initially planned to use a computer-animated desert, but found it more practical and cost-effective to film in a real one.

The video mainly features 2-D and an animated version of the San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus stranded in the desert, following what appears to have been a helicopter crash. The survivors keep themselves entertained with the song while awaiting the arrival of rescuers, portrayed by Noodle and Murdoc crewing a Windhoeker Maschinenfabrik Wer’wolf MKII mine-proof vehicle driven by Russel. Both song and video feature a guest appearance by Pharcyde rapper Bootie Brown, who leaps out of a sand dune in military fatigues to perform his verse of the song. The video concludes with Gorillaz, the children, and Bootie Brown departing the crash site in the Wer'wolf, which breaks down a short distance away.

Track listings

UK CD1 and digital download 1

1. "Dirty Harry" – 3:52
2. "All Alone" (live) – 3:39

UK CD2 and digital download 2

1. "Dirty Harry" (single edit) – 3:51
2. "Hongkongaton" – 3:33
3. "Dirty Harry" (Chopper remix) – 3:40

UK DVD single

1. "Dirty Harry" (video) – 5:00
2. "Murdoc Is God" – 2:26
3. "Dirty Harry" (animatic with "Dirty Harry" instrumental) – 4:21 European and Australian CD single
4. "Dirty Harry" – 3:50
5. "Dirty Harry" (Chopper remix) – 3:40
6. "Hongkongaton" – 3:35
7. "Dirty Harry" (music video) – 5:00
8. "Dirty Harry" (animatic with "Dirty Harry" instrumental) – 4:21

Japanese CD single

1. "Dirty Harry" – 3:50
2. "All Alone" (live) – 3:40
3. "Hongkongaton" – 3:35
4. "Dirty Harry" (Chopper remix) – 3:40
5. "Dirty Harry" (video) – 5:00

Personnel

• Damon Albarn – vocals, synthesizers, guitars, string arrangements
• Bootie Brown – vocals
• Jason Cox – mixing, engineering
• James Dring – drum programming
• Al Mobbs – double bass
• Emma Smith – double bass
• Amanda Drummond – viola
• Stella Page – viola
• Prabjote Osahn – violin
• Sally Jackson – violin
• Isabelle Dunn – cello
• Danger Mouse – sampled loops, percussion, drum programming, mixing
• Howie Weinberg – mastering
• Steve Sedgwick – mixing assistance
• The San Fernandez Youth Chorus – additional vocals

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

References

1. Wade, Ian. (2005). "Gorillaz Demon Days Review". [[BBC]].
2. Cinquemani, Sal. (20 May 2005). "Review: Gorillaz, Demon Days".
3. "Dirty Harry".
4. (2005). "Dirty Harry". [[Parlophone]].
5. "Dirty Harry – Single". [[Apple Music]].
6. (2005). "Dirty Harry". Parlophone.
7. "Dirty Harry – Single". Apple Music.
8. (2005). "Dirty Harry". Parlophone.
9. (2005). "Dirty Harry". Parlophone.
10. (2006). "Dirty Harry". Parlophone.
11. (2005). "Dirty Harry". Parlophone.
12. "The Official UK Singles Chart 2005". [[UKChartsPlus]].
13. "ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Top 50 Urban Singles 2006". [[Australian Recording Industry Association.
14. "Mix FM Airplay Top 100 2006". MIX FM 104.4.
15. "The Official UK Singles Chart 2006". UKChartsPlus.
16. "Release List". [[EMI Music Japan.
17. (16 January 2006). "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 16th January 2006". [[Australian Recording Industry Association.